The key to achieve the SDGs

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that preceded the SDGs, were strong on monitoring and tracking, but did not build in an evaluation function. The SDGs have an explicit follow-up and review mechanism that is clearly stated in the 2030 agenda.

So 192 states have committed to having a national evaluation system in their countries. This puts evaluation front and centre, as the agent of change for the world we seek.

Last week nearly 450 delegates from 100 countries convened in Bangkok to examine the role of evaluation. They reviewed challenges and opportunities, and explored how professionals with expertise in evaluation can help countries improve their capacity to implement the SDGs agenda.